College Life – AdmitOne™http://admitoneblog.org
Expert Advice on College AdmissionsWed, 28 Feb 2018 20:51:32 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.4.2Tips for First-Generation College Studentshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2720
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2720#respondFri, 23 Sep 2016 18:19:43 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2720As a first-generation college student, you may face a lot of hurdles. Fortunately, you can jump right over them with these tips! Most undergraduates contend with at least a modicum of anxiety as they stand on the cusp of their college careers. And these feelings are often amplified in many first-generation college students. Certainly, they [...]

]]>As a first-generation college student, you may face a lot of hurdles. Fortunately, you can jump right over them with these tips!

Most undergraduates contend with at least a modicum of anxiety as they stand on the cusp of their college careers. And these feelings are often amplified in many first-generation college students. Certainly, they are excited about the prospects that lie ahead. But they also experience an abundance of pressure to succeed. Moreover, they frequently carry a deep fear that they might not be as talented, smart or well-equipped as peers hailing from families where higher education is standard and expected. And, it can be difficult to turn to their parents for support as these experiences are also foreign to them.

Of course, it’s definitely possible to overcome issues that arise or feelings of self-doubt. If you’re a first-generation college student, try to keep these tips in mind as you make the transition:

You are meant to be there!

First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that you belong at this school. The admissions office would not have sent you an acceptance letter if they felt you couldn’t hack it or wouldn’t contribute to the vibrancy of the campus. They realize that you have the wherewithal to succeed. Sure, you’re bound to encounter a few stumbling blocks. And that’s perfectly normal. After all, it takes every undergrad time to adjust to college. Be gentle and give yourself time to grow as a student. With a little hard work and perseverance, you’re bound to thrive!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Don’t let yourself drown in pity and self-doubt. Many students, regardless of their backgrounds, struggle in their classes from time to time. Instead of giving in to your insecurities, make a courageous, smart move and ask for help. There’s a reason why professors hold office hours and why colleges maintain writing centers. No one wants to see you fail. By asking for a little assistance, you’ll help get yourself back on track, likely strengthen your skill-sets and certainly reduce your stress level. It’s a win all around, really!

Be patient and understanding with your family!

While you may be the one attending college, this is still new territory for all of you. And, especially in the beginning, your parents/family might not have a good sense of the demands you’re facing. They may expect you to visit with frequency, attend many family functions and/or still help with the day-to-day running of the household. Or, they may simply expect that you will call home on a daily basis. It’s important to be patient with each other as you attempt to navigate this next stage. Communicate as openly as possible. Keep them abreast of your workload and social life. Remind them that you care deeply about the family and that you’re working hard to strike a healthy balance with all of your new priorities.

Build and maintain relationships!

Oftentimes, first-generation college students are not as familiar with the purpose or importance of building a network. However, we encourage you to do your utmost to cultivate relationships with professors and TAs. We know it can be intimidating, but make a point to visit your teachers during their office hours. Ask questions and show that you’re engaged with the material and their disciplines. Take advantage of their knowledge and look to them for guidance. Many professors are happy to mentor their students. And by making a connection early on in your academic career, you establish a relationship that you can capitalize on throughout your collegiate years and beyond – whether it be the opportunity to assist them with research, securing a recommendation or simply benefitting from career advice.

Making the transition to college can be difficult, especially if you’re a first-generation student. Don’t fall into a panic if you hit a bump in the road. Instead, be patient, be assertive and remind yourself that you have the drive and determination to succeed. After all, you made it to college! Now believe that you can make it through college!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=27200Advice for Graduating Seniorshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2663
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2663#respondMon, 08 Jun 2015 17:42:12 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2663Well, you've finally made it. In the blink of an eye, four long, hard years are nearly over. Congrats on surviving high school. Before you disappear into the future and cease visiting websites like this one, we figured we'd send you off with a few last nuggets of advice. Some of these are concrete actions [...]

]]>Well, you've finally made it. In the blink of an eye, four long, hard years are nearly over. Congrats on surviving high school. Before you disappear into the future and cease visiting websites like this one, we figured we'd send you off with a few last nuggets of advice. Some of these are concrete actions and some are merely ideas. Heed what you'd like and ignore the rest (i.e. welcome to adulthood)!

Practice creating a budget. Once you leave for college or begin your post high school career, you'll likely have more control over your finances. You want to be aware of your spending habits and how much you'll need for both necessities and social outings. Learn how to carefully manage your money so you can avoid unnecessary debt.

Purchase some professional attire. Crossing the dais in your high school auditorium doesn't mean you need to begin dressing formally or act like you could be pulled into a conference room at any time. However, it's a good idea to have a few items you could wear to an interview, an office, a meeting with a dean, etc. You never know when an opportunity will arise and you want to be able to show up looking mature, professional and like someone who should be taken seriously.

Don't be afraid to fail. Sure, this might sound a little cliché but it's important nonetheless. If you want to grow and evolve (in your career and life at large), it's vital that you take risks and engage with new ideas and experiences. Some of these opportunities will pan out. Others might implode in your face. All of these occasions will be valuable.

Craft a resume. Whether you're heading to college or the working world, you'll find you need a resume sooner or later. If you haven't already done so, consider typing one up now. Even if you don't have a big work history, it's good practice. And you'll appreciate having a template to work from when you do begin applying to jobs and/or internships.

Foster relationships with professors (and other possible mentors). Don't simply put in your time in the classroom and then disappear. You want to build relationships with your professors. They can provide greater insights than their lesson plans. Indeed, instructors can offer emotional support along with life and professional advice. You never know where friendships with professors can lead. And you'll certainly be able to use them for recommendations for future jobs and graduate school applications.

Don't be afraid to change your major. College is all about exploring new topics and ideas. You might arrive with one set of ideals, dreams and notions but graduate with others. Know that it's okay to change course. Follow your passions and you'll be okay!

Approach less desirable jobs with a good attitude. It's rare that our first jobs are our dream jobs. Heck, sometimes our fifth or sixth jobs aren’t that much closer. However, even if you're washing dishes or just putting invoice sheets into the correct numerical order, it's important to approach every gig diligently and with a smile. Don't underestimate the people you meet and the connections you might make while you're slinging burgers. These relationships could play a large role in your professional (or personal) life down the line.
As we said before, you can take or leave our advice. However, we find these are pretty good rules to follow.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=26630The College Fair: What to Bringhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=2643
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2643#respondFri, 24 Oct 2014 15:46:29 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=2643Preparation is key for so many events and opportunities in life and college fairs are certainly no exception! You want to arrive focused, primed to learn and ready to make the most of the occasion. To help ensure that you do, here’s a quick list of what to bring (and, just as important, what not [...]

]]>Preparation is key for so many events and opportunities in life and college fairs are certainly no exception! You want to arrive focused, primed to learn and ready to make the most of the occasion. To help ensure that you do, here’s a quick list of what to bring (and, just as important, what not to bring!) with you:

Items to bring:

Tote bag and/or folder to hold all of the materials you collect

Pad and writing utensil to take copious notes during your conversations with various college reps

Map of the fair (you can likely pick this up when you first arrive)

List of prepared questions

Willingness to explore (This might not be a tangible item but it’s still important!)

Items not to bring:

Resumes

Completed applications

Personal essays

Letters of recommendation

Baked goods (or other gifts) to hand out to each rep

In other words, you should arrive at the college fair intending to simply learn and gather information. And come equipped with tools that will aid that process. Remember, this is an opportunity to begin (or, in the case of some seniors, continue) a dialogue and to have your questions answered. This isn’t the time to overtly sell yourself to college reps. Nor is it appropriate to attempt to butter them up or assume they’ll act as your own personal application courier. College fairs are really just another avenue for research and should be treated accordingly!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=26430An Introductionhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=1377
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=1377#respondThu, 21 Jun 2012 16:51:02 +0000http://admitoneblog.org/?p=1377Most of the advice on college admissions is, to use the vernacular, a huge steaming pile. That’s largely because most of the people who spend time offering advice about admissions either a) have no idea what they’re talking about or b) lie. Another group, maybe the largest, is best served by keeping you in the [...]

]]>Most of the advice on college admissions is, to use the vernacular, a huge steaming pile. That’s largely because most of the people who spend time offering advice about admissions either a) have no idea what they’re talking about or b) lie. Another group, maybe the largest, is best served by keeping you in the dark as to how the process works, so they use a bunch of jargon and flowery language to avoid answering your questions.

I often make fun of admissions blogs in my speeches, especially the ones written by vice presidents or admissions deans and directors. I mock how little information they contain and how they try to sneak in promoting their schools and how they almost entirely lack any entertainment value whatsoever.

One of my staff members suggested I start my own. Actually, he said I was a huge jerk (he didn’t use a word quite that nice however), but he felt that would be a great asset for creating a more interesting blog, particularly if I was willing to be entirely, one might say brutally, honest about the process. I tried it out, vowing to provide accurate insight into the process, while being totally upfront, one might say shameless, about plugging my institution.

A few years into this, I met the fine folks at My College Options®. They seem to have roughly the same idea of supplying students and their families with straightforward, honest, and frank information about the process.

But they get more traffic than my blog. A lot more traffic.

So we made a deal. Even though my primary job is as a Vice President is being chief student affairs and admissions officer for Brandeis University, I’ll periodically share a post trying to cut through all the hypocrisy and misleading information available on other sites. In return, they promise to be tolerant of my writing style/personality. We’ll see.

Of course, you may disagree with some of the things I post. You’re welcome to your opinions, as wrong as they may be. Fortunately, through the miracle of the internet, a vast array of incredibly talented people can share what they’re thinking about what I write. Unfortunately, the rest of you probably will as well.

Looking forward to getting to know you and also shamelessly plugging Brandeis University every chance I get – which won’t be hard since it is the best university. Ever.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=13770Actually, It IS Easy Being Green (In Your College Dorm)http://admitoneblog.org/?p=797
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=797#commentsMon, 09 Apr 2012 06:08:49 +0000http://ec2-107-22-64-204.compute-1.amazonaws.com/?p=797When it comes to preparing for college, it often feels as though you have an infinite number of details to consider. From what course of study you'll choose to the shower caddie you'll purchase, there is much to decide. However, when sorting out these particulars, it's important to be conscious of how your choices, activities [...]

]]>When it comes to preparing for college, it often feels as though you have an infinite number of details to consider. From what course of study you'll choose to the shower caddie you'll purchase, there is much to decide. However, when sorting out these particulars, it's important to be conscious of how your choices, activities and actions affect the environment. To that end, we've assembled some tips to show you how easy it is to maintain a green lifestyle within the comfort of your dorm.

Conserve Your Energy

It's so easy to be an energy hog. Between computers, phone chargers, mini fridges, etc., you'll be relying on a lot of electronics and appliances in your dorm. While there's certainly nothing wrong with that, it's important to be mindful of your use. Shut down your laptop when you're finished, unplug your charger, turn off the lights in the room when you leave (hint: you can even extend this practice to common areas) and buy items with a high energy star rating. You'll be surprised at how much energy you conserve by following these simple rules.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle

Food containers, beverage bottles, mounds of papers – you'll be shocked at how quickly junk and debris can accumulate in your room. Instead of haphazardly dumping everything in the trash, make sure you recycle when applicable and appropriate. In fact, most dorms have a system already in place. If you live in a building that doesn't, think about starting an initiative.

Purchase a Plant

Let's be honest with each other for a minute. We all know that sometimes our rooms can start to smell a little funky. Instead of running to the drug store and purchasing an air freshener, contemplate getting a plant. A much greener alternative, it will help purify the air in your room. And as an added bonus, it can also serve as a nice decorative touch!

Buy Better Bulbs

Your dorm room, at least in theory, is a place where you'll work and study. Lighting is therefore a necessity. However, instead of using a regular incandescent bulb, try to find LED lights or a compact fluorescent light bulb. Both kinds expend less energy and last longer, cutting down on cost and waste in the process.

Go Organic

Sure, you need to buy bedding and toiletries. After all, your roommates might object if you stop using shampoo or toothpaste. However, before you make any hasty purchases, think about getting natural, organic items. Though they might cost a little more, they will be healthier for you and the environment.

Shop Locally

Of course your dorm room will need some additional furnishings and/or decorative flourishes. Instead of shipping that chest or hauling that recliner a long distance, think about shopping at a store in your college town. You'll save on a lot of gas and cut down on the environmental impact. To that end, you should also aim to purchase items you can use throughout your four years. Try and avoid pieces you'll just throw out at the end of the term.

We all need to be more cognizant of how our actions affect the environment. By following these simple tips, you can easily begin making a difference. And maybe, seeing you as an example, your roommates and hall-mates might follow suit!

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=7971Are You Swimming Up Stream?http://admitoneblog.org/?p=796
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=796#respondThu, 08 Mar 2012 11:40:15 +0000http://ec2-107-22-64-204.compute-1.amazonaws.com/?p=796Have you ever considered why salmon is so valuable? It’s because of the journey it has to take to be successful. (In salmon life, that means reproducing). Not only is the trip upstream against the current, but it also involves fighting off natural obstacles like rocks and branches and bears. Oh my! Just like the [...]

]]>Have you ever considered why salmon is so valuable? It’s because of the journey it has to take to be successful. (In salmon life, that means reproducing). Not only is the trip upstream against the current, but it also involves fighting off natural obstacles like rocks and branches and bears. Oh my!

Just like the salmon, you too have been thrown into the rushing waters of life and are swimming upstream in pursuit of your independence. As you work your way through classes, projects and jobs, you also have stuff getting in your way. Often, it might even feel like bears are clawing at you, as if you, too, are swimming upstream.

Student stress is such a big issue that researchers have even come up with a way of measuring it. The Student Stress Scale (by Holmes & Rahe) is a simple scoring system that highlights the most stressful events based on the “amount of readjustment a person has to make in life as a result of that change.” At the top of the list, with a full 100 Life Changing Units, is the death of a close family member. At the bottom, with 20 points, is a minor traffic violation. Here are a few other challenges that might sound familiar:

Divorce of parents 65
Being fired from a job 50
Failing an important course 47
First quarter/semester in college 35
Change of financial status 39
Change in living conditions 31
Change of college 24

Getting a solid education and being successful is not an easy journey. Rack up enough points, according to this scale, and you could be risking your health. If you’re an ambitious student, a young professional or an entrepreneur, you get bumped and bruised a lot, but you’re also among the most coveted fish with more potential and value because of your dedication to achievement. Don’t forget that.

So when the current gets too strong, and the stresses start piling up, you’re going to need some coping tactics to make it through. Here are a few tips to keep you focused on getting to your next big milestones:

Some opportunities fall into your lap, while others you have to fight for. Going with the current is easier and will keep you on par with your peers, but that also makes you similar to lots of others. That means less unique, less valuable. Going against the current, fighting for something most others don’t, opens you up to a whole new range of options and successes.

If you’re not up to fighting the treacherous waters (eg: exams and sports or volunteering), think about your ultimate goal and focus on that. Be strategic with how and when you spend your energy. Sometimes you need to conserve it so you have the strength to give your all to what’s most important.

Swim with friends and family (close contacts, advisors, invested others) close by. They’ll help keep you motivated and even throw you a tree branch when you need it most.

Don’t let fear get in your way. Let’s face it, you probably won’t drown – you are a fish, after all. You’re strong, resourceful and ambitious, and that will take you a long way. Worst case, you’ll end up downstream and have to start over. No big deal. Give it as many shots as you can. Tenacity pays off.

Remember, the most successful people just keep swimming when all else fails. They never lose sight of their goals and what they’re trying to accomplish. Be like them.

Jennifer Kushell (@ysnjen) is author of the NY Times Bestseller Secrets of the Young & Successful and has been called "The Career Doctor" by Cosmopolitan.

As founder of Young & Successful Media, she created YSN.com – a leading destination for career exploration, tools and resources for students and young professionals around the world.

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=7960Get with It at the Beginning of Your Freshman Yearhttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=788
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=788#respondTue, 06 Sep 2011 13:42:43 +0000http://ec2-107-22-64-204.compute-1.amazonaws.com/?p=788Establishing some new rules for yourself during the first few weeks of college can help you create a strong foundation for your entire freshman year. Try these tips for starting college off right. Get Organized In your first classes, you will receive a lot of information, both as handouts and electronically. You need a system [...]

]]>Establishing some new rules for yourself during the first few weeks of college can help you create a strong foundation for your entire freshman year. Try these tips for starting college off right.
Get Organized

In your first classes, you will receive a lot of information, both as handouts and electronically. You need a system for filing both types of documents. You’ll also need to develop a good method for taking notes and keeping those organized. For example, some people maintain one notebook for the day’s notes and then copy them over into subject-specific notebooks. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it can also serve as a valuable study tool.
Get Sleep

Every time you’re tempted to cram and pull an all-nighter, remember that getting adequate sleep on a regular basis will help you remember what you learned all day. Your brain needs the sleep to strengthen your short-term memory.
Get Connected

Many new freshmen feel isolated when they first get to college. You need to reach out and connect to your new community. Join some sort of group or intramural sport. Many activities might even be related to your major, so you can get some related experience while making new friends. Talk to your professors and get to know them better – you do not need to be intimidated by them. And be sure to call home and talk to your family and old friends. They’ll all be excited to stay a part of your life and to hear about the great new things you’re doing.
Get Healthy Food

Of course you have heard of the Freshman 15 – it’s common because college students have access to a lot of late-night food and junk food. Remember, you need vegetables too! Try to make the late-night indulgences more of a splurge than something you do every day, and try to keep a balanced diet. You have a lot of work ahead of you, and staying healthy is an important aspect to keep you meeting the demands.
Get Exercise

Exercise is not only great for your physical health, but it can really help with stress. Plus, starting an exercise routine now will help pave the path for your future beyond college. Your school likely has a gym you can use for free or at a very low cost.
Get a Job

Whether a work-study award was part of your financial aid package or you could just enjoy some extra cash, a job is a great way to meet people and gain experience. Even if the job is not related to your major, you will be building your resume and gaining transferable skills. Dependability and attention to detail are great traits that will do you well in any line of work. And the paycheck will help you avoid additional money-related stress

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=7880Looking for a Great College Town?http://admitoneblog.org/?p=786
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=786#respondWed, 17 Aug 2011 15:12:07 +0000http://ec2-107-22-64-204.compute-1.amazonaws.com/?p=786Sometimes where the college you attend is located is as important as the college itself. In addition to offering culture, sports, community and scenery, your college’s location can play a role in the internships and jobs available to you while you’re in school. U.S. News & World Report released a list of the 10 Best [...]

]]>Sometimes where the college you attend is located is as important as the college itself. In addition to offering culture, sports, community and scenery, your college’s location can play a role in the internships and jobs available to you while you’re in school.

U.S. News & World Report released a list of the 10 Best College Towns. Here they are with links to the states so you can research the colleges that call these towns home:

]]>http://admitoneblog.org/?feed=rss2&p=7840Great Deals for College Studentshttp://admitoneblog.org/?p=781
http://admitoneblog.org/?p=781#respondThu, 21 Jul 2011 14:44:11 +0000http://ec2-107-22-64-204.compute-1.amazonaws.com/?p=781As you get ready for your first year in college, you’re likely watching your and your parents’ wallets emptying for tuition, books, room and board, dorm room necessities and more. It’s a great idea to get breaks wherever you can. Here are some deals exclusively for college students. Computer Deals for College Students A computer [...]

]]>As you get ready for your first year in college, you’re likely watching your and your parents’ wallets emptying for tuition, books, room and board, dorm room necessities and more. It’s a great idea to get breaks wherever you can. Here are some deals exclusively for college students.

Computer Deals for College Students

A computer can be one of your larger expenses. When you buy an Apple MacBook or a Mac desktop, you get $100 to spend at the Mac App Store. Hewlett-Packard will give you a free Microsoft Xbox 360 game when you buy a select PC for $690 or more. Dell is running a similar deal for computers $699 and up.Cards Have Their Privileges

There are programs that offer a number of discounts to college students. Two examples are International Student Exchange Cards and Student Advantage. The ISE Card is an international card that can get you discounts around the world for hotels, travel and more. The Student Advantage card give you access to discounts for movie tickets, car rentals, services and more.

This is just a sampling of national deals available to college students. There are likely more programs available to you based on your college and location